Relay



April 9, 1935. J. WARNKE 1,997,477

RELAY Filed June 12, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 QyW/MM,MVM7

April 9, 1935- vc. J. WARNKE RELAY Filed June 12, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 9, 1935.

C. J. WARNKE RELAY Filed June 12, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Apr. 9, 1935 l efr-'UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 1,997,417 e RELAY Application June 12, 1931, Serial N0. 543,843

10 Claims.

l My invention relates to a relay for use under conditions requiring the periodic operation of local mechanisms, such'as alarms and signals of various types, as exemplified in railway crossing signals, beacons for air ports, lighthouses, and devices of a similar operative nature, but is also utilizable for regulating the operation of other types of mechanisms whosetimed control is desirable.

One object of my invention is to devise a relay which utilizes thev principle of the pendulum in conjunction with a mercury switch to effect the operation of a given mechanism at periodic intervals.

A further object is to providea relay of the character indicated employing a mercury switch mounted on a pendulum whose movement is controlled electromagnetically in each direction, the attainment of the maximum amplitude by the pendulum in any one direction determining the operation of one device controlled by the relay, and causing a. deenergization of that electromagnet which has just moved the pendulum in the indicated direction, with an energization of another electromagnct for moving the pendulum to the opposite end of its swing and the eiecting of a similar manner of operation, including the actuation of another device.

A further object is to provide a relay as above set forth in which provision is made for varying the oscillatory period of the pendulum in order to vary the periodic operation of the devices controlled by the relay, and to accomplish this resuit either by interposng a predetermined braking resistance to the movement of the pendulum, or by varying the length of the pendulum, or by a combination of these factors, thereby rendering a standard type more versatile in its application and capable of functioning under a variety of operating conditions.

A further object is to devise a relay which incorporates a factor of safety when used in connection with a dual signal or alarm system in that a failure of one signal or alarm does not allect the operation of the other, and further, in which the mercury switch is so arranged, that its failure, as by a crackingv oi thel container thereof, results in a spreading of themercury to such an extent as to complete the circuit `to all signals or alarms, thereby linsuring their constant operation until the switch is replaced.

A further object is the provision -of a relay which is characterized by ruggedness in construction, long life, positive, emcient and dependable operation, and which is capable of une under (Cl. 20o-90) conditions demanding precision in the frequency of the devices controlled.

These and further objects of my invention will be set forth in the following specication, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and the novel means by which said objects are eilectuated will be denitelypointed out in the claims.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of my improved relay partly in section;

Figs. 2 and 3 are sections along the lines 2-2 and 3 3 of Fig. 1, respectively, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 4 illustrates the wiring diagram as used in connection with my improved relay, the pendulum being shown as occupying a vertical position;

Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of the lower portion of the switch, being a View similar to that e shown in Fig. 3, but illustrating a modified disposition of the mercury pool in which the lower end of the pendulum swings;

Fig. 6 is an Yelevation of the pendulum as it appears in Fig. 3, but showing a suggested means for varying the length of the pendulum in order to vary its period.

Fig. 'I is a-sectona1 elevation of a modiiled type of switch, corresponding to the switch as viewed in Fig. 3, and showing the pendulum and mercury switch as constituting a separable, hermetically sealed unit.

Fig. 8 is an enlarged section taken on the hne 8-8 in Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows, and showing the manner in which the electrical conductors from the mercury switch are led out of the hermetically sealed, pendulum unit.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of still another form of relay, corresponding to that shown in Fig. '7, inwhich provision is made for sealing the electromagnet, in addition to the pendulum unit, thereby enabling the relay to be used under. subaqueous conditions.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3 of the drawings,

the numeral I designates the base of my improved relay which is generally of a hollow construction comprising an integral top II and a removable, bottom, cover-plate I2. An insulating strip I3 is recessed into the top I I adjacent one side of the base IU and disposed along said strip is a group of binding posts Il, to which more particular reference will be hereinafter made. A substantially circular shoulder Ii is oiiset upwardlyirom the top II and around the periphery of said shoulder is placed a sealing gasket I6. The lower, peripheral edge of an inverted, glass cylinder I1 isrested on the gasket I6 and fits closely the peripheral edge of the shoulder I5.

Extending downwardly through the top of the cylinder I1 is a screw I8, between the head of which and the top of said cylinder a sealing gasket I9 may be interposed. The lower end of the screw I8 is threadedly received in a spider 20 which is provided with a pair of oppositely dis'- posed arms 2| and 22, and also with a second pair of oppositely disposed arms 23 and 24 (see Fig. 1') these respective pairs of arms being normally disposed to each other. The upper end of a hollow standard 25 is fixedly received within a pocket 26 provided in the branch 23 and the upper end of a standard 21 is similarly received within a pocket 28 provided in the branch 24, the lower ends of said standards being also xedly mounted in the shoulder I5. Communication between the interior of the standards 25 and 21 and the interior of the base I0 is effected by means of holes 29 and 30, respectively, for a purpose hereinafter explained. From the above it will be understood that a tightening of the screw I8 will so position the cylinder I1 as to substantially hermetically seal the latter,

Suspended from the underside of the arm 2| lis an electromagnet which is composed of a solenoid coil 3| and a metallic solenoid 32 extending through the center of said core'and suitably insulated from the arm 2|. Another electromagnet is suspended from the underside of the arm 22 and comprises a solenoid coil 33, through which also extends a metallic core 34 that is insulated from said arm. This disposition of the solenoid coils 3| and 33 provides a space therebetween and within this space is mounted a pendulum mechanism which will now be described.

Extending downwardly from the spider 20 and substantially midway between the solenoid coils is a`boss 35 which is drilled to receive the coiled end of a flexible, springy strip 36 and said end may rbe maintained in position by means of a headed pin 31. 'I'he lower end of the strip 36 is also coiled for reception within a similar hole provided in the upper end of a pendulum 38 and is likewise maintained in position by means of a pin 39. The arrangement of the spring strip 36 substantially follows the standard practice in the mounting of pendulums and in and of itself forms no part of the present invention. Other constructions may be employed as desired. At an elevation which is slightly below the lower ends of the solenoid cores 32 and 34, the pendulum 38 is provided with a laterally extending arm 40 which is intended to function as the armature for the core 32 and also with a lateral extending arm 4| which performs a similar service with reference to the core 34. Below the armature arms 40 and 4| the pendulum carries a suitable clamp 42 which receives the tube or container 43 of a mercury switch 44.

The container 43 is hermetically sealed in accordance with standard practice and is provided with three wells 45, 46 and 41 which project downwardly from the lower side thereof, each of said wells constantly carrying a mass of mercury (see Fig. 4). Electrical connection in the normal operation of the switch between any two of the pools of mercury contained in the aforesaid wells is provided by a mass of mercury 48 which at all times provides an electrical connection between two of the pools in the said wells. Electrodes 49,

50 and 5| project within the pools of mercury which are carried in the wells 45, 46 and 41, respectively, and said electrodes are connected externally of the circuit in a manner hereinafter described.

Except vfor the suggested details of consrruction as just given, the particulary arrangement of the switch 44 forms no part of this invention, but it is contemplated that the switch will follow modern practice in the selection of a material for the tube 43 which will eifectually withstand the shock and erosive action of the electric arc and be-substantially free of occluded gases, will employ substantially pure mercury, a heat dissipating and arc-supressing gas fill, and electrodes whichwill present substantially clean surfaces to the mercury during contact, and which will in general be of such a construction as to prevent any silvering action of the mercury on the electrodes or the walls of the container.

Below the switch 44, the pendulum 38, which is preferably in the form of a at strip with its broadest side presented to view, as it appears in Fig. 3, extends downwardly toward the shoulder I 5 and at some convenient distance from the lower end thereof is given a right angle twist to provide a paddle portion 52 which moves in a mercury pool 53 that is contained in a basin 54 attached to the shoulder I5.

In describing the electrical connections between the several parts of the relay, it will be assumed that the latter is used as an agent for controlling the illumination of a pair of lamps, such as are used as warning signals at railway crossings, the lamps alternately fiashing according to a given frequency. In the binding post group I4, the posts 55 and 56 constitute the in-put terminals of the relay and they may be connected externally of the latter with a suitable source of electrical energy, such as a battery 51 and also with a switch 58 which is arranged in series therewith. For 4a railway crossing signal, the function of the switch 58 would be literally performed by the approach of a train which would serve to close the circuit between the binding posts 55 and 55 externally of the relay, although, it will be understood, that in other operative situations, the switch 58 may be actuated manually or may be automatically controlled by other devices. The binding post 55 is electrically connected by means of a lead 59 with one end of the solenoid coil 3| and the opposite end of said coil in parallel with the solenoid coil 3| across the terminals 55 and 6I.

On the opposite side of the pendulum 38, a lead 64 connects the binding post 55 with one end of the solenoid coil 33 and the opposite end of Said coil is connected to a binding post 65 by means of a lead 66. said post being in turn connected to the electrode 5| by a lead 61. A second lamp 68 is connected in parallel with the coil 33 between the posts 55 and 65, the connections for said lamp being disposed externally of the relay in the same manner as for the lamp 63. A common return lead 69 connectsv the binding post 56 with a binding post 10 and said lead, together with all cal and motionless housing for these wires and also to improve thel general appearance ofthe relay.

In describing the operation of the relay, it will be assumed that the pendulum occupies the vertiposition shown in Fig. 4, with the switch 58 open, the latter for the conditions under discussion, being generally representative of a railway train. Owing to the fact that the switch 58 is open, neither of the lamps 63 and 68 will be ignited, nor will either of athe coils 3| and 33 be energized. However, the mercury mass 48 will occupy an electrically connecting position between the pools in the wells 45 and 46, for eX- ample, or it may connect the similar pools in the wells 46 and 41. Fig. 4, however, shows the former condition by-Way of illustration.

When an approaching train reaches a predetermined position from the railway crossing, the condition then obtaining will be that which would follow upon a closing of the switch 58. 'Ihereupon, the lamp 63 will be illuminated and the coil 3| energized, since the return circuit in the battery 51 is completed through the mercury switch 44 by the mercury mass 48. The energizing of the coil 3| attracts the armature arm 48 and thereby initiates movement of the pendulum 38 toward the left, as viewed in Fig. 4, and when the latter has moved through a sufcient amplitude the mercury mass 48 will move towards the right endof the container 43 to thereby break the electrical circuit through the switch between the electrodes 49 and 50 and to complete the circuit between the electrodes 50 and 5|. When this condition occurs, the lamp 63 is extinguished and the coil 3| is deenergized, while the coil 83 is energized and the lamp l|58 is illuminated. The armature arm 4| is thereupon drawn towards the core 34 by the combined effect of gravity and the magnetic action, so that the pendulum moves toward the right as viewed in Fig. 4. Upon or shortly before attaining its maximum amplitude in the latter direction, as determined by the space relation of the several parts, the mercury mass 48 will move toward the left, as viewed in Fig.

4, and will eventually reach its left maximum position under the reenergization of the coil 3| .thus completing one period of the pendulum,

considering the beginning of the period as being the moment when the pendulum starts its swing towards the right. As long as the switch 58 is maintained closed, the pendulum 38 swings between the electromagnets in equal times and therefore causes a. periodic illumination of the lamps 63 and 68 alternately.

The purpose of the mercury pool 53 is to provide a means of conveniently varying the period of the pendulum through interposing-a predetermined braking resistance to its swinging action. lBy varying the depth of the mercury 53, the resistance interposed to the movement of 'the paddle 52 will accordingly be varied, so that within certain denite limits, the period of the pendulum may be adjusted to provide any desired ashing frequency of the lamps-63 and 88. The use of mercury is suggested as a convenient uid for obtaining the desired effect on the swinging movement of the pendulum, owing to" its nonevaporative characteristic, but it will be apparent that other fluids may be employed if desired, and that, in addition'to varying the depth of th'e fluid employed in order to vary the resistive action on the paddle 52, other variations may be secured by selecting fluids having different densities.

A still further means of varying the period of the pendulum is shown in Fig. 6, this method depending upon the principle that the period or time of oscillation of any pendulum is directly proportional to its length. In 'this modification, the pendulum 38 is composed of an upper part 12, to which is secured the branches 40 and 4| and below said branches the part 12 is bifurcated to provide a pair of spaced limbs 13. The upper end of the lower part 14 of the pendulum is received between the limbs 13 and said upper part may be provided with an elongated slot 15 through which and the limbs 13 passes a clamping or adjusting screw 16. According to this arrangement, therefore, the lower part 14 may be shifted vertically to provide any desired length of the pendulum as a unit within the maximum adjustablity of the device.

A further modification of the relay is illustrated in Fig. 5. One objection to the form shown in Figs. 1 to 3, inclusive, is that, when the relay is shipped from the factory with mercury in the basin 54, the relay unit must be handled with care and maintained in an upright position at all times in order to retain the mercury in said basin. The modification in Fig. 5 has beenl designed with a view of overcoming this objection. Specificially, the base is provided with a substantially circular shoulder 11 which is offset upwardly from the top il and the upper surface cf the shoulder 11 is dished, as at 18, to present a surface which is concave upwardly. A well 19 is formed in the central portion of the shoulder 11 to receive a mass of mercury 80, or other suitable uid, and within said fluid mass operates the lower end of the pendulum 38 as. above described. Since the glass cylinder |1 is hermetically sealed to the base I8, the relay modification shown in Fig. 5 may be turned end for end or on its side without risking the loss of the uid in the well .19, but upon placing the relay in its proper upright position, as shown in said gure, the conformation of the shoulder 11 will at once cause the uid to drain in the well 19.

In the modifications shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the r switch is also provided with a base I0 having an integral top and the removable, bottom, coverplate l2, together with the series of binding posts as shown in Fig. 2. Attached to the top is `the anged bottom 8| of a hermetically sealed casing 82, the top of which is closed by a cover 83. Said casing and its cover may becomposed of any suitable non-magnetic material, but will in any case be hermetically sealed and will be preferably filled with a neutral or reducing gas, such as hydrogen, carbon-monoxide, nitrogen, or the like, for the purpose of arresting oxidation of the pool of mercury 84v which is carried by and normally rests on the curved portion 85 of the bottom 8|.

Intermediate'the ends ofthe cover 83 and extending downwardly from the underside thereof is a boss 86 which is drilled to receive the coiled end of a flexible, springy strip 81 whose lower end is also coiled hole provided in the upper endl of a pendulum 88, both ends of 'said-strip being maintained in position in vthe manner, described in connection with the switch shown Fig. 2. Below the connection of the spring 81 with 88, the latter is for reception within a similari 88 and 80, each of which adjacent the pendulum their respective ends. is provided with an armature .boss 9| which extends upwardly towards the cover 83. Below the arms 09 and 90 the pendulum 88 is formed substantially the same as is the pendulum shown in Fig. 2, that is, it comprises a paddle portion 92 which normally dips in the mercury mass 84 and also carries a mercury switch 93 which is generally similar to the switch 43 and likewise comprises the three depending wells 94. The electrical conductors 95 which lead from the wells 94 are passed through the wall of the casing 82 in the manner shown generally in Fig. 8. As shown in said gur, the metallic portions 96 of said conductors are sealed in glass insulators 91 generally after the manner now in common use in introducing electrical conductors into incandescent lamp bulbs, or mercury switch containers, the insulators 9'| themselves being in turn sealed in any approved manner to the wall of the casing 82. After passing through the wall of the casing 82, the conductors may be connected to the binding posts shown in Fig. 2.

A pair of electromagnets are disposed above the cover` 83, one being composed of a solenoid coil 98 and a metallic core 98"l extending therethrough,'the lower end of said core contacting with, or being relatively close to, the cover 83 in the region of the upper end of the leftarmatur'e boss, as viewed in Fig. 7. Similarly, the other electromagnet 99 is provided with a metallic core |00 and the lower end of said core is similarly disposed with reference to the cover 83 and the upper end of the left armature boss 9|, alsovas viewed in Fig. 7. The electromagnets are supported from the underside of a spider |0| which is in turn carried on the upper ends of standards |02, which are similar to the standards 25 and 21 shown in Fig. 2. As in the preceding switches, the entire assembly may be enclosed by a cylindrical case |03 whose lower edge rests upon a gasket |04 and is maintained in this position by means of a cap screw |05 carried by the case4 |03 and whose lower end is threaded in the spider |0 I.

The operation of this modified form of switch,

as' well as the plan of its electrical connections, is identical with the switch shown in Fig. 2, the magnetic eld being alternately established by the electromagnets operating through the nonmagnetic cover 83 and also across the intervening air gap in order to establish the swinging movement of the pendulum 88. By forming the casing 82 and its contents as a hermetically sealed unit with an appropriate neutral gas en- Y closed therein, any tendency of the mercury mass 84 to become oxidized is obviated and it also provides an easily replaceable unit for purposes of repair. Also, as in the type of switch illustrated in Fig. 5, it is unnecessary to maintain the entire relay in an upright position during transit .in order to retain the mercury in the bottom of the casing. As soon as the entire assembly is placed in the position shown in Fig. 7, the mercury will again collect in the bottom of the base 8|.

In Fig. 9 is shown a modified form of the switch illustrated in Fig. '7. This modcatic-n also employs the hermetically sealed casing 82, together with its pendulum-mercury switch content, but in addition, makes provision for also hermetically sealing the electromagnet unit of the switch, so that the latter may be effectually used under water. As shown in said ligure, the electromagnets are enclosed by a case |06 which may rest upon or be otherwise attached to the casing 82 or the cover 83 thereof as desired, but whatever 'casing |03 will be of a sealed nature.

While I have shown one set of elements and combinations thereof for' eiectuating my improved relay, it will be understood that the same is intended for purpose of illustration only and in no wise to restrict my device to the exact forms and structures shown, for many changes may be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

l. A relay having in combination, a unit comprising a hermetically sealed casing, a pendulum swingably mounted in said casing, a mercury switch carried on said pendulum and means for breaking the swing of the pendulum comprising a pool of mercury in which the lower end of the pendulum swings, and electromagnetic means located externally of said casing for controlling the swing of said pendulum, said electromagnetic means being hermetically sealed within a second casing.

2. A relay having in combination a pair of hermetically sealed, superimposed casings, one of said casings comprising a pendulum swingably mounted therein, a mercury switch carried by said pendulum, and means for breaking the swing of the pendulum comprising a pool of mercury in which the lower end of the pendulum swings. and the other of said casings enclosing electromagnetic means for controlling theswing of said pendulum. the magnetic fields established by said electromagnetic means operating through the non-magnetic walls of said. casing.

3. In a device of the class described, a base, a pair of standards rising from the base, a spider mounted on the standards and having a plurality of arms, two of which engage the tops of the standards, and electromagnetic means supported by two other arms of the spider.

4. In a device of the class described, a base, a pair of standards rising from the base, a spider mounted on the standards and having a plurality of arms, two of which engage the tops of the standards, electromagnetic means'supported by two other. arms of the spider, and a pendulum supendea from said spider between the standar s.

5. In a device of the class described, a base, a r

pair of standards rising from the base, a spider mounted on the standards and having a plurality of arms, two of which engage the tops of the standards, electromagnetic means supported by two other arms of the spider, and a pendulum suspended from said spider betweenthe standards, said pendulum having laterally extending. rigid, armature arms coacting with the electromagnetic means for swinging the pendulum.

6. In a device of the class described, a base, a pair of standards rising from the base, a spider mounted on the standards and having a plurality of arms, two o f which engage the tops of the standards, electromagnetic means supported by two other arms of the spider, and a pendulum suspended from said spider between the standards, said pendulum having laterally extending, rigid. armature arms coacting with the electro- 'magnetic means for swinging the pendulum, and

a spider mounted on the standards, a pendulum suspended from the spider between the standards, coils carried by the spider for swinging the pendulum, a bell jar mounted on the base and enclosing the mechanism, and means for hermetically sealing the bell jar in place, said means including a screw passing through the top of the jar and threaded into the spider.

8. In a device of the class described, a base, intermittent circuit breaking mechanism including a, pair of standards rising from the base, a-

spider mounted on the standards, a pendulum suspended from the spider between the standards, coils carried by the spider for swinging the pendulum, a bell jar mounted on the base and enclosing the mechanism, the upper face ofthe base having a pocket for receiving a, fluid, and an inwardly sloping rim around the pocket, the end of said pendulum being adapted to swing within said pocket, and be retarded by the uid in the pocket.-

9. In a device of the class described, a base,

intermittent circuit breaking mechanism including means for supporting a pendulum over said base, electromagnetic means for swinging the pendulum lincluding a mercury switch carried by the pendulum, a bell jar mounted on the base and enclosing the mechanism, the upper face of the base having a pocket for receiving a iluid, and an inwardly sloping rim surrounding the pocket, the ends of said pendulum being adapted to swing within said pocket, and be retarded by the fluid in the pocket.

10. In a device of the class described, the combination of a hollow base, a pair of hollow standards mounted on the base and communieating with the base interior, a spider mounted on the standards having a plurality of arms, two of which engage the tops of the standards, electromagnetic means supported by two other arms of the spider, and a pendulum suspended from the spider between the standards and adapted 20 to be swung by the electromagnetic means.

CARL J. WARNKE. 

